FIRST PLACE BULLS FACE PHILADELPHIA IN FIRST-EVER MATCH: The New York Red Bulls, currently in first place in the Eastern Conference, will start a brand new rivalry on Saturday, April 24 when they take on MLS expansion side, the Philadelphia Union, in the first-ever match-up between the two sides. Kickoff is set for 4:00 PM ET (TV: MSG, TeleFutura) and tickets are on sale by calling 1.877.RBSOCCER or logging onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.
New York is coming off a come-from-behind 2-1 win over FC Dallas and improved to 3-1-0 in 2010 with nine points, giving the Red Bulls a three-point lead over the Kansas City Wizards and New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference. They host a Philadelphia Union side currently in a tie for sixth place in the East after it dropped a 2-1 decision to Toronto FC on Thursday, April 15. The Union is 1-2-0 so far in its first season in MLS. Against Toronto FC, the Union went down to 10 men in the 34th minute after defender Danny Califf was shown a straight red card. Toronto FC’s Dwayne De Rosario scored on the ensuing free kick and later tallied the eventual game-winner from the penalty spot nine minutes from full time. Jordan Harvey was the Union’s lone scorer. Philadelphia earned its first-ever franchise win in its opening match at home with a 3-2 victory over D.C. United in front of 34,870 at Lincoln Financial Field. Sebastien Le Toux was the hero on the day, tallying a hat trick in the win.
RED BULLS COME BACK TO BEAT FC DALLAS: Forward Juan Pablo Angel tallied his 10th career multi-goal game and goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul made seven second half stops, as the Red Bulls earned a come-from-behind 2-1 win over FC Dallas at Red Bull Arena Saturday night. Angel, who tied the game in the second half after Dax McCarty put the visitors in front, gave New York the lead for good in the 90th minute by converting a penalty kick after he had one saved earlier in the interval. To request post-match audio clips, please contact Brian Tsao (brian.tsao@newyorkredbulls.com).
Early on, Jeff Cunningham twice had opportunities to put FC Dallas ahead, first shooting wide right before taking an Atiba Harris cross and slicing it into the stands. The Hoops took the lead in the 10th minute. After the Red Bulls cleared away a corner, David Ferreira released Heath Pearce on the wing and his first-time cross found an open McCarty, who nodded it past Coundoul.
New York had a pair of chances to equalize 10 minutes later. Defender Roy Miller got free on the left wing and hit a cross that just skipped away from Salou Ibrahim at the six-yard-box. Moments after, Angel went in alone on net and slid it underneath goalkeeper Dario Sala and into the goal, but the Red Bull was ruled offside.
Harris nearly doubled FC Dallas’ lead seven minutes into the second half, as he headed a McCarty free kick just wide. Soon after, Red Bulls defender Tim Ream made a late tackle to stop a FC Dallas before he slid in to block Pearce’s follow-up attempt. FC Dallas kept the pressure on and Ferreira’s blast from 10 yards out was spectacularly blocked off the woodwork by Coundoul.
That save proved to be vital, as the Red Bulls scored on the next play down the field. Joel Lindpere had the ball in FC Dallas’ defensive half and passed it to Angel, who knocked it past Sala for his first goal of the season.
Soon after Angel’s goal, Harris nearly gave the visitors the lead again when his header from a Daniel Hernandez pass went off the crossbar. In the 61st minute, Macoumba Kandji was free in the box and curled his shot past the right post.
New York had a golden chance to take the lead in the 64th minute after Zach Loyd felled Kandji in the penalty box after the forward deked past him. Angel struck it well towards the left corner, but Sala guessed correctly and punched it away before the defense cleared.
Coundoul kept the game tied with 15 minutes left in the match, punching away an Eric Avila shot after the FC Dallas substitute was led through. Two minutes later, Coundoul went full extension to hold a Cunningham attempt at the far post. Ferreira again tested the Red Bulls goalkeeper, but he was up to the task again in the 82nd minute, parrying away a low blast. Soon after, a free kick from Red Bull Carl Robinson found fellow substitute Sinisa Ubiparipovic at the back post and Sala was there to make a block.
As the match was about to head into second half stoppage time, New York earned the three points with their second penalty kick opportunity of the match after Hernandez tackled Ubiparipovic late in the box. Angel stepped up and this time went the other way, blasting it into the top right corner of the net.
LAST WEEK:
Red Bulls 2, FC Dallas 1 on April 17 at Red Bull Arena
THIS WEEK:
Red Bulls vs. Philadelphia Union on April 24 at Red Bull Arena at 4:00 PM (TV: MSG, TeleFutura; Radio: WADO 1280 AM)
NEXT WEEK:
Red Bulls vs. Philadelphia Union on April 27 at Red Bull Arena at 8:00 PM (NO TV) – Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Play-In Game
Red Bulls at D.C. United on May 1 at RFK Stadium at 4:00 PM (TV: MSG, TeleFutura; Radio: WADO 1280 AM)
2010 MLS STANDINGS - INCLUDES GAMES OF SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2010
ANGEL HITS 50: Red Bulls all-time leading scorer Juan Pablo Angel scored his 49th and 50th goals against FC Dallas on Saturday in their 2-1 win on Saturday. Angel slotted in a Joel Lindpere feed to tally his first goal before he clinched the three points with a penalty kick in the 90th minute.
GOALS (Regular Season)
PLAYER, GP, GOALS
1. Juan Pablo Angel, 76, 47
2. Giovanni Savarese, 85, 41
3. Clint Mathis, 93, 39
4. Amado Guevara, 103, 32
5. John Wolyniec, 139, 26
GOALS (All Competitions)
PLAYER, GP, GOALS
1. Juan Pablo Angel, 84, 50
2. Clint Mathis, 110, 45
3. Giovanni Savarese, 97, 44
4. Amado Guevara, 117, 38
5. John Wolyniec, 160, 32
With his performance against FC Dallas, Angel is tied with Giovanni Savarese for the club lead in multi-goal games.
MULTI-GOAL GAMES (Regular Season)
PLAYER, GP, GOALS
T-1. Juan Pablo Angel, 76, 10
T-1. Giovanni Savarese, 85, 10
3. Clint Mathis, 93, 6
HOME SWEET HOME: Since opening Red Bull Arena in March, the New York Red Bulls have enjoyed the comforts of their new home in Harrison, NJ and the results have shown on the pitch. New York is 3-0-0 in all competitions at Red Bull Arena after its win over FC Dallas, 2-1, last Saturday.
The Red Bulls’ last come-from-behind victory came on Sept. 13, 2008, when New York fought back to defeat Real Salt Lake, 2-1, at Giants Stadium.
RED BULLS FACE PHILLY IN U.S. OPEN CUP: The Red Bulls will host MLS expansion side, Philadelphia Union, on Tuesday, April 27 at 8:00 PM at Red Bull Arena in a preliminary round match of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament. For more information or to purchase tickets, which are priced at $15 each and located in the Arena's 100 Level, please call 1.877.RBSOCCER or log onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.
New York won a coin toss to earn the right to host this match-up. Should the Red Bulls advance, they will host the New England Revolution at Red Bull Arena in the next round on May 12 at 8:00 PM ET. Ticket information will be released for that match at a later date should the Red Bulls advance.
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is an annual national competition that is open to all amateur and professional soccer teams that are affiliated with U.S. Soccer. It is the oldest tournament in the U.S., beginning in 1914 when Brooklyn Field Club took home the very first title. MLS teams were first included in the tournament in the inaugural 1996 season.
The team’s best finish in the competition came in 2003 with New York losing, 1-0, to the Chicago Fire on Oct. 15 at Giants Stadium. New York dispatched three league opponents on its way to the final with a combined score of nine goals after posting a 4-0 shutout over the Mid Michigan Bucks of the PDL.
New York has fared slightly better against non-league opponents, with a record of 7-6 compared to 7-7 against other Major League Soccer teams. In competition openers, New York has gone 1-1 against MLS sides, beating the San Jose Earthquakes last year in the Red Bulls’ 2-1 victory on April 29. The Red Bulls were eliminated from the tournament when they lost to D.C. United, 5-3, on May 20 at RFK Stadium. New York has reached the quarterfinals six of the seven times it has progressed past its opening match.
BULLS TO TAKE ON JUVENTUS MAY 23 AT RBA: Red Bull New York announced that the New York Red Bulls will face renowned Italian club, Juventus FC, on Sunday, May 23 at 1:00 PM ET at Red Bull Arena in an exhibition match.
“Since opening Red Bull Arena, we have been committed to bringing in elite clubs from around the world to play in what we consider to be the best soccer-specific stadium in North America,” said Red Bull New York Managing Director Erik Stover. “With its storied history and multiple championships, Juventus certainly fits in with this vision. They are a prestigious club with a tremendous following around the world and we are excited to host them at our brand new home.”
Red Bulls Full Season Ticket Holders have an exclusive pre-sale window to purchase their own seat locations for the match from Tuesday, April 20 at 11:00 AM to Wednesday, April 21 at 12:00 PM. Beginning at 12:00 PM on April 21, Full Season Ticket Holders can purchase unlimited additional seats in any available locations. All current Four and Eight-Game Plan Holders will also be able to purchase seats during a presale beginning on Thursday, April 22 at 10:00 AM prior to the general public sale which begins at 3:00 PM the same day. Fans can purchase tickets, which start at $30 apiece, by calling 1.877.RBSOCCER or logging onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.
Juventus, based in Turin, Italy, is one of Europe’s most successful clubs. Known for their trademark black and white striped jersey and massive supporter following, Juventus has competed in seven UEFA Champions League finals (winning two), taken home three UEFA Cups, and captured the Italian Serie A title a record 27 times. Currently, Juventus boasts the likes of several Italian standouts including forwards Alessandro Del Piero and Amauri and midfielder Sebastian Giovinco, French striker David Trezeguet and Brazilian midfielder Diego. Juventus also has defender and 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year Fabio Cannavaro, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and Italian forward Vicenzo Iaquinta in their ranks. Juventus is coached by long-time Serie A veteran Alberto Zaccheroni.
RED BULLS SIGN NIELSEN: Red Bull New York announced on April 15 that it acquired Danish midfielder Brian Nielsen on loan. Nielsen will be added to the team’s roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC). He must also pass a team physical. Per club and League policy, specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Brian is a very promising young player who has pace and can deliver quality service with both feet,” said Red Bull New York General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. “We are thrilled to sign him and he will immediately compete for a spot in our starting lineup.”
Nielsen has played for Denmark at a number of youth national team levels, most recently featuring for the Under-21 squad. Prior to joining the Red Bulls, Nielsen played for Danish side, Vejle Boldkulb, helping his team earn promotion to the Danish Superliga. Since 2005, Nielsen appeared in 92 games for Vejle, scoring 15 goals. The 23-year-old had also played for Danish clubs Hjorten IF and Herlev IF and later was in Akademisk Boldklub’s youth squad.
BOUNA TIME: Red Bulls goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul did not record his third shutout of the season in Saturday’s 2-1 win over FC Dallas, but his seven saves were crucial in New York’s victory. Coundoul, who currently has a 0.75 goals against average this season, stopped FC Dallas multiple times, including blocking a David Ferreira shot off the woodwork when the visitors were leading 1-0. On the ensuing play on the other end of the field, Red Bulls midfielder Joel Lindpere found Juan Pablo Angel, who tucked it in to tie the match.
CHURCHILL CUP TICKETS ON SALE: Tickets for the finals of the Churchill Cup, an international rugby event to be held on June 19 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ starting at 12:00 PM, are on sale by logging on to www.redbullarena.us or www.ChurchillCupRugby.net.
Groups of 15 of more can buy tickets at a discounted rate. Ticket prices are below:
Churchill Cup Ticket Prices (Individual/Group) – Kickoffs at 12, 2:45 and 5:30 PM
Club Seats: $150/N/A
Midfield: $60/$55
Sidelines: $45/$40
Endzones: $35/$30
Corners: $25/$20
North America’s premier XV-a-side rugby tournament makes its East Coast debut at the state-of-the-art Arena for Finals Day on June 19, following three rounds of doubleheader matches at Infinity Park, Glendale, Colo. on June 5, 9 and 13. The 2010 Tournament lineup features the USA Eagles, England Saxons, Rugby Canada and tournament newcomers France A, Russia and Uruguay and showcases a Rugby World Cup 2011 preview match on opening day when hosts USA face off against Russia.The Churchill Cup will be the first non-soccer event held at the 25,000 capacity, soccer-specific Red Bull Arena and looks to provide an unforgettable spectator atmosphere.
RED BULL ACADEMY HOLDING TRYOUTS: The New York Red Bulls Academy is now accepting applications for the 2010 tryouts which will be held in May/June.
The Red Bulls Academy will be looking for the top players in the Tri State area in the following birth years:
· 1997
· 1996
· 1995/1994
· 1993/1992
The New York Red Bulls are the only club in the Tri-State area affiliated with an MLS team. Throughout the year select players will also be invited to train with the professional team. Juan Agudelo and Giorgi Chirgadze have recently graduated straight from the Red Bulls Academy and signed professional contracts with the Red Bulls first team.
The Academy is a no cost program. Each player is fully funded by the Red Bulls. This includes:
· All coaching fees
· Practice and game day gear
· Travel (air fares, buses, etc.)
· Accommodations
· Food
· International Trips
· Season Ticket at Red Bull Arena
The Red Bull Academy currently has three players in the prestigious US U-17 MNT Residency Program in Bradenton, FL. Goalkeeper Keith Cardona and Agudelo recently graduated Residency after the 2009 U-17 FIFA World Cup in Nigeria. In addition, 14 other members of the Academy have made up the U.S. U-14, U-15 and U-18 National Teams during 2009/2010.
To register for a tryout or for more information on the Red Bulls Academy visit www.redbullsacademy.com/academy.
SOLO FUTBOL AIRS SUNDAY: Red Bulls WADO 1280 AM and 92.7 FM announcers Ernesto Motta and Robert Sierra host their weekly call-in radio show, Solo Futbol, on Sunday night from 8-11 PM on WADO 1280 AM. Motta, Sierra and their panel of experts and guests analyze the Beautiful Game and the New York Red Bulls, as they start for their upcoming MLS season.
